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Torah Portion: The Life Transforming Power of Mitzvos

		The Life Transforming Power of Mitzvos By: Rabbi Osher Jungreis

This week`s portion begins with the words, "HaShem said unto Moshe, "Say to the Kohanim, the sons of Aharon say unto them..." PARSHAS EMOR - THE LIFE TRANSFORMING POWER OF MITZVOS The question which obviously occurs to all of us is, "Why the redundancy (Leviticus 21: 1). Why did Moshe repeat the word "Say". There are many explanations advanced by our sages, but I will share just two of them with you. If teaching is to be effective, then that which we say must be reflected in our deeds. Merely informing a child or a student of his/her responsibilities has no value if that teaching is not complemented by personal example. Therefore, the Torah instructs us to "speak twice" -- once to explain and once to inspire through our own lives. The second interpretation is to make us aware of the powerful life-transforming energy ofmitzvos. When we take on more mitzvos, it doesn`t only mean that we have increased our performance of commandments, but that we have grown and expanded spiritually. Mitzvos, have a life transforming effect through which our relationship with HaShem becomes elevated. Thus, it`s not that we remain the same people who just happen to observe more commandments, but rather that the mitzvos enable us to attain a higher level. Accordingly, HaShem tells Moshe that after he instructs the Kohanim about their unique mitzvas, (which are especially designed for Kohanim), he must instruct them once again regarding the mitzvos which are incumbent upon every Jew, for their fulfillment will now be on a more exalted level. This lesson is not limited to Kohanim, but applies to all of us. Every time we perform a mitzva,, we attain a new level of spirituality which alters our very essence. For example, if we study Torah, it doesn`t only mean that we spend time learning, but rather, that we have become Torah people. When we devoted ourselves to tzedukah it doesn`t only mean that we wrote checks, but that we became ba`alei tzedukah, - masters of charity. When we committed to chesed, it doesn`t only mean that we performed kind deeds, but that we became ba`alei chesed - masters of kindness. Therefore, Moshe is instructed to speak to us twice, so that we may remain ever cognizant of our responsibility to grow in accordance with our newly acquired mitzva. This teaching is of profound significance at this time of year as we prepare ourselves for the Yom Tov of Shavuos which marks the greatest moment in the annals of history....the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. As we count each day to Shavuos, let us resolve to add another mitzva to our lives each and every day, so that when Yom Tov arrives, we will be prepared to re-dedicate ourselves to G-d`s covenant on a higher, more spiritual level. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Osher ____________________________________________________________________________________ AT LONG LAST - THE BOOK YOU`VE BEEN WAITING FOR!! THE COMMITTED MARRIAGE by REBBETZIN ESTHER JUNGREIS The Rebbetzin will speak about "The Committed Marriage" followed by a book signing at Kehilath Jeshurun, 125 East 85 Street Tuesday evening, May 13 at 7:15 PM "The Committed Marriage" is available at all bookstores